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Monday, July 25, 2016

I've crawled out of hiding to post a review for a book I was given for that purpose.

I can hardly recommend this book highly enough!

Christian women, and
Catholics in particular, have needed The Gift of Birth for far too long. I
am unaware of any other book that develops the spirituality
surrounding pregnancy and childbirth. Given the childbearing is a
unique way for women to participate in God's creative work, it is
important that this books has been written.

This book is not a “how-to”
in the same way that so many books on pregnancy and childbearing are.
Its subtitle: Discerning God's Presence During Childbirth explains.
In its pages a mother will find spiritual guidance as she progresses
through pregnancy and childbirth, as well as practical ideas to help
her achieve a satisfying birth experience. Each chapter ends with
suggestions for prayerful reflection which could serve the growing
family well, even beyond the immediate postpartum period.

The book addresses many
variations on the theme of childbirth and the author carefully
maneuvers through discussions on home births, hospital births and
cesarean births without judgment. Ms Windley-Daoust points out that
all experiences of giving birth are intensely spiritual and
God-given. Suggestions are given to reclaim a birth experience that
did not seem to achieve this.

There is a section
discussing difficulties surrounding childbirth; the unexpected
pregnancy, infertility, miscarriage and still-birth are all given a
spiritual dimension. As an experienced spiritual director, Ms
Windley-Daoust suggests ways in which the family can ease tension and
grief, while seeing God in these situations.

The Gift of Birth quotes
frequently from the writings of Pope St. John Paul II, from
scripture, as well as from a host of others sources. Quotations from
mothers, and some interviews with women who have already found God to
be present in their varying birth experiences bring a personal
dimension.

This is a book that has been
needed for a very long time. I am thankful that Ms. Windley-Daoust
was inspired to write it. It is a book I will repeatedly recommend to
the young women with whom I work.